People of the Pirates with LA

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EP 17 – Brody Riseborough | Identity, Resilience & Health

From bouncing between clubs across the Sunshine Coast to eventually finding a home at the Noosa Pirates, Brody Riseborough joins the poddy to share his journey through footy, adversity and finding purpose beyond the game.

We dive into his love for rugby league, the frustration of recurring injury setbacks and the resilience built through some challenging times. Looking back, Brody speaks with genuine gratitude for those experiences and the lessons they taught him — even when it was hard to see the forest through the trees at the time.

We also explore his journey into the health and fitness industry, his passion for helping people optimise their health and the incredible community he’s built around his business.

For Brody, it’s about much more than physical fitness. It’s about creating a tribe, building a positive sporting culture, fostering genuine connections and making mental health advocacy part of everyday life.

With the second year of his annual community challenge and fundraising event just around the corner, Brody is putting those values into action, bringing people together to raise funds and awareness for the Black Dog Institute and the important work they do in mental health.

A great yarn about identity, resilience, community and finding strength through adversity — and using those experiences to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

🎙️ People of the Pirates with LA – Episode 17

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🔗 Find the episode via the link in our bio.

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🏴‍☠️ Tag @NoosaPirates, @UBXMooloolaba and @BlackDogInstitute, and give Brody a shout-out!

🥊 Proudly sponsored by UBX Mooloolaba

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EP 16 – Chris Mallac | Pioneer in Sports Physiotherapy

From the Brisbane Lions and Queensland Reds to Bath Rugby, London Irish in the UK and Narbonne Rugby in France, Chris Mallac has built an incredible career at the highest levels of professional sport.

A pioneer in sports physiotherapy, Chris helped bring cutting-edge Australian approaches to injury management, rehabilitation and high performance into professional sporting environments across the UK and Europe. Along the way, he’s worked with some of the biggest names in sport, including travelling through Europe with the Australian Rugby Sevens team.

In this episode, we explore the experiences, people and lessons that shaped his career, the evolution of sports physiotherapy and what continues to drive his passion for helping athletes perform at their best.

These days, Chris is a familiar face on the sidelines as the Noosa Pirates’ game day physio and the owner of Base Health Noosa, our recovery gym and a fantastic contributor to the wider Noosa community.

A great yarn about elite sport, innovation, the pursuit of excellence and bringing world-class knowledge back to grassroots footy.

Proudly sponsored by Base Health Noosa

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EP 15 – Ulice Gillard III

From a military family upbringing and a deeply grounded faith, Ulice Gillard III has always had a huge drive to succeed, step outside his comfort zone and chase the next challenge.

From high school and college football star, playing under the pressure of enormous stadiums, to championships, injuries and setbacks — Ulice shares the highs and lows that shaped his journey.

Then came rugby. Learning Rugby League, taking part in the first NRL Combine in Las Vegas and eventually earning the opportunity to represent his country with the USA Hawks, playing Test matches around the world.

What’s next for Ulice? Time will tell — but wherever the next adventure takes him, you can be sure his team back in the States and the Noosa Pirates will be cheering him on.

A great yarn about faith, persistence, pressure, resilience and having the courage to keep challenging yourself.

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EPISODE 14 – TOM PROSSER 🏴‍☠️

This week on People of the Pirates with LA, we sit down with one of the OGs of this Pirates era — Tom Prosser.

From his days as a ball boy and coming through the junior ranks, to pulling on the Blue & Gold in A Grade as a young fella, Prosser has been there through the good times and the hard times and is now one of the stalwarts of the Pirates.

Now proudly Involved in coaching the next generation of juniors and with tightly involved with the senior playing group.

We chat about his journey with the club, the experiences and mates that have shaped him, and his role in keeping the senior playing group tight — from team culture to being the go-to man for organising the social side of things.

And looking ahead, there might even be a move into the coaching ranks on the horizon.

A Pirate through and through.

This bloke bleeds Blue & Gold. 💙💛🏴‍☠️

EP Sponsor - Symmetry Financial - Coaching & Connecting

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🎙️ PEOPLE OF THE PIRATES WITH LA | EP13 – DANE CAMPBELL

This one’s a great yarn with a bloke whose rugby league journey has taken him just about everywhere — Dane Campbell.

From playing in the NRL, to pulling on the Blue & Gold and becoming A Grade Captain/Coach of the Noosa Pirates in 2010 and 2011, coaching again in 2012 and then stepping up as Club President in 2013, Dane has experienced footy from almost every angle.

But this episode goes well beyond the footy field.

Dane opens up about perseverance, setbacks and a couple of serious health scares that have tested him along the way. It’s an honest conversation about dealing with the tough periods, finding perspective and continuing to move forward when things don’t necessarily go to plan.

Rugby league has remained a constant throughout his life. From playing and coaching, to administration, development and recruitment, Dane has continued to champion the game through plenty of different avenues.

That journey now sees him helping build the next chapter of professional rugby league in Western Australia as Head of Recruitment with the Perth Bears.

Plenty of laughs, some great Pirates memories and a really open conversation about footy, leadership, resilience and life beyond the game.

Another quality yarn with a bloke who has certainly lived a bit.

🏴‍☠️ People of the Pirates with LA – Episode 13.

Once a Pirate, always a Pirate.

THIS PODCAST IS SPONSORED BY THE PERTH BEARS

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People of the Pirates with LA | EP12 – Tim Burger

Some people find rugby league. Others find a community that changes their life.

Born and raised in Canada, Tim Burger grew up on the ice with a hockey stick in hand. Fast forward a few years and he’s traded skates for footy boots, becoming a passionate rugby league supporter and a die-hard Cronulla Sharks tragic.

Today, Tim is the dedicated Secretary of the Noosa Pirates, helping steer the club behind the scenes while playing a key role in one of the club’s greatest success stories.

But his journey hasn’t been without incredible adversity.

Tim shares the remarkable story of surviving a light plane crash, the long and challenging road back to health, and the physical and mental battle that followed. He opens up about the defining moment in his recovery—the day he stopped asking “Why me?” and started embracing the miracle that he was still here. It’s a powerful lesson in gratitude, resilience and perspective that will resonate with everyone.

At the Pirates, Tim has been instrumental in building our female rugby league program from just a handful of girls into a thriving community of more than 120 female players. His passion for creating opportunities has helped shape the future of the club, and it’s especially fitting that his own daughter is set to become the first Noosa Pirates junior to earn a prestigious 10-Year Jacket.

This is a conversation about family, community, overcoming adversity and giving back to a club that’s become home.

A ripper yarn with one of the great people behind the Blue & Gold.

Ep sponsor;

Bullitt Espresso Van

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🏴‍☠️ People of the Pirates with LA – Episode 12. Arrrgggh

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🎙️ People of the Pirates with LA | EP11 – Brendan “Jukebox” Williams 🏴‍☠️

A Noosa Pirates junior, premiership winner and one of the toughest blokes to ever pull on the Blue & Gold.

Brendan “Jukebox” Williams earned his nickname the hard way—delivering some bone-rattling hits that opponents never forgot.

These days he’s serving the community in Victoria as a K9 Police Officer, but his love for the Pirates has never faded.

In this episode, Jukebox shares plenty of laughs and great stories from his days at Pirate Park, representing the Affiliated States and Australia in Police Rugby League, and the journey that’s taken him from the footy field to policing.

An authentic chat with one of our own that every Pirate will enjoy.

🏴‍☠️ Enjoy the yarn, legend!

Episode proudly brought to you by Narellan Pools – bringing dream backyards to life with Australia’s trusted fibreglass pool specialists. Narellan Pools

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Noel Goldthorpe

Some players are born with natural talent. Others earn every inch through sheer determination.

Noel Goldthorpe built his rugby league career on grit, resilience and a never-say-die attitude that earned the respect of teammates, coaches and opponents alike.

Making his first-grade debut with the Western Suburbs Magpies, Noel went on to join the St George Dragons before discussing one of rugby league’s most turbulent periods during the Super League era, representing both the Hunter Mariners and Adelaide Rams. He also reflects on kicking the match-winning field goal to seal the Tri-Series for New South Wales, before finishing his NRL career with the North Queensland Cowboys—a first-grade journey forged through relentless hard work, toughness and leading by example.

Following his professional career, Noel arrived at the Noosa Pirates and became the driving force behind one of the club’s greatest eras. As captain and leader of the ship, he guided the Pirates to an incredible three consecutive A Grade premierships in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Chasing a historic fourth straight title in 2009, the Pirates’ remarkable run came to a heartbreaking end in the semi-finals, closing the curtain on one of the most dominant periods in the club’s history.

Still driven by his competitive spirit, Noel made a comeback in 2013, but his return was cruelly cut short by a shocking act of foul play that prematurely ended his competitive playing career.

In this honest and inspiring conversation, Noel reflects on the highs and lows of professional rugby league, the sacrifices required to compete at the elite level, and the setbacks that shaped both his football career and the man he is today.

Away from the field, Noel opens up with remarkable vulnerability about the health challenges he has faced since retiring from rugby league, the impact they had on his life, and the habits, mindset and support network that now help him maintain both his physical and mental health.

A proud member of the Noosa Pirates family, Noel shares why grassroots rugby league remains so important, the value of strong club culture, and why resilience, mateship and community continue to drive him every day.

A raw, authentic conversation about perseverance, leadership, purpose and finding strength through life’s toughest challenges.

Enjoy, legends. 🏴‍☠️💙💛

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Henry Hadfield.

Henry joined the Pirates from the north of England for the 2026 season. Having come through a school and club pathways as a young man, to playing plenty of Rugby League and Rugby Union across the UK leading to this adventure abroad, the Aussie experience is pretty cool to hear first hand.

It’s been a journey throughout his footy career, plenty of ups and downs, times of feeling lost and discouraged by sport and finding his love for the game and the people around it over again.

Affirmation on what really makes him tick with the sporting community as well as his love of giving back on and off the field.

This is an honest and raw account of a journey through sport, filled with lots of highs, some set backs, a scandal or two & a thick Pommy accent.

Enjoy legends!

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EP8 - Matt Bunker

Honest, raw & inspiring.

The former SAS leader opens up on some the formative moments of an abusive and traumatic childhood.

How he made some brave and difficult choices to brake the cycle.

Self doubt & challenges whilst rising through the ADF on the way to leading his brothers in arms in the SAS.

Battles with the Black Dog, re finding himself after the military & the unexpected toughest battle to date.

Rekindling a love for a career path that drives his “Why” and how he is helping people level up to the best versions of themselves.

Strap in legends, this is a compelling listen.

Episode sponsor:

Empower Longevity

www.empowerlongevity.com.au

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From a burning desire to forge a career in rugby league alongside his brothers as a tribute to their late father, to becoming NRL Rookie of the Year and a premiership winner, life has been a roller coaster ride for George Burgess.

Now balancing fatherhood, providing for his family, a growing career in the movie industry & ambassador roles, and preparing for his upcoming boxing bout against Nelson Asofa-Solomona in June, George joins LA for an honest and powerful conversation.

Episode sponsor - https://clubdraws.com.au/sports-clubs/

One of rugby league’s most feared front-rowers of his era, George reflects on a remarkable career at the highest level. From his rise through the English system, he opens up on the highs, challenges, and sacrifices of professional rugby league.

A proud representative for the England national rugby league team and Great Britain national rugby league team, George shares stories from some of the game’s biggest stages, life in Australia, and the bond of the famous Burgess rugby league family.

A raw insight into footy, family, resilience, and life beyond the game. Enjoy legends!

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Moses Mbye, a seasoned NRL veteran and versatile playmaker, began his rugby league journey at the Noosa Pirates as a junior-playing A-grade in Year 12 before moving to Sydney the day after graduating from Sunshine Beach High School.

He made his mark with his NRL debut at the Canterbury - Bankstown Bulldogs, followed by stints at the West Tigers and St. George Illawarra Dragons, before finishing his professional career with St Helens R.F.C. in the Super League.

Beyond club footy, Moses represented Queensland in State of Origin, and earned selection in both the Prime Minister's XIII and World All Stars.

He shares reflections on leadership, community, and life both on and off the field.

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Mel Harries.

12 year ADF veteran - discharged as officer in charge of Mental health & psychology (ARA).

Mindset training - Principal psychologist + Newcastle Knights NRL team psychologist.

Giving us a quick glimpse in to her journey and passion for athletic performance ahead of her " Building resilience, confidence and emotional strength in young athletes" workshop at the Pirates on the 24th of April.

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Anthony Zipf - "ZIPPY"

One of the pirate's favourite sons and a three time premiership winner, Zippy shares his journey from the Brisbane Broncos pathways as a young gun to etching his name into Queensland Cup history with a record that still stands today.

Reflecting on the golden years of '06, '07, '08 and opens up on the highs, the setbacks, and everything else in between - from player to mentor to coach.

A true Blue and Gold story of resilience and loyalty at the pirates.

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TONY MACILROY

"Macca" or Mr Mac" as a lot of our listeners will know him.

Teacher, coach, motivator, mentor and all round good bloke, talks his journey through rugby league, a rewarding career change into a school PE teacher and revisiting his youth in the bush as a DRT District Relief Teacher based out of longreach.

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In the studio today we have Aaron Brooks. Director of Harcourts Property Centre. Former QLD cup player and 11 times premiership coach, recently on the coaching staff of the USA Hawks women's side talks rugby league and mentorship and business.

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Ant Plater

Current head of performance -Noosa Pirates. Former high performance consultant - Canberra Raiders (NRL side) Highly decorated former Australian Defence Force (ADF) Special Forces Operator and 2nd Commando Regiment Warrant Officer who served for 27 years. A combat veteran with deployments in Somalia, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Talks about his love of the sport, life in ADF, high performance and life in Noosa hinterland.